Six-time U.S. Ambassador and former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Pickering will deliver the 2015 Distinguished Diplomat Lecture titled, “Challenges Facing U.S. Foreign Policy to 2016” on March 19.

The US government has identified East Asia, North Africa-Middle East and Russia as emerging areas of strategic priority in diplomacy, commerce and security. To give students more options to study these regions, the School of Arts & Sciences has announced the creation of the new Strategic Areas Certificate Program, or SACP.

As a retired U.S. foreign service officer, Richard Sindelar wants his international studies students to gain the practical training they need to be prepared for diplomacy or business, not just the theory.

International Studies Major
Explore how the human family is connected through an interdisciplinary major that combines the study of culture, economics, politics and international relations. Students develop skills in language, critical and analytical thinking, written and oral communication and cross-cultural communications. Read more...

International Development Major
The international development major seeks to integrate economic, social and political activities. Combined with courses in finance, economics and accounting from the Cameron School of Business, students identify common themes of importance to human development. Read more …

International Business
The International Business degree program is a joint collaboration between the Cameron School of Business and the Center for International Studies to educate technically skilled and ethical future leaders of global commerce. Read more...

International Studies Minor
In this modern, interconnected world, students majoring in other fields can benefit from an international perspective. A minor will complement other majors by providing insight into foreign political, social and economic systems and heighten cross-cultural communication skills. Read more …

Joint Major
Joint majors are available that integrate International Studies requirements with those of Catholic studies, communication, political science, romance languages and Spanish. Read more …

News at the Center

Ambassador Witnesses to Vaticanís Global DiplomacyAmbassador Francis Rooney, who was U.S. ambassador to the Holy See from 2005 to 2008, discussed his recent book, “The Global Vatican” on Feb. 11, at a dinner hosted by the Center for International Studies Distinguished Diplomat Program. During his time at the Holy See, the Ambassador witnessed the quiet yet crucial diplomacy pursued by the pope through the Vatican’s extensive global diplomatic network.

Distinguished Diplomat Talk Explores Energy as Geopolitical ToolThe Distinguished Diplomat Program of the Center for International Studies hosted James Karna, former senior attorney for Aramco Services Company, on Nov. 6. Karna presented a luncheon talk titled “The Use of Energy as a Weapon in the 21st Century.” Karna spoke with students, faculty and friends of the University—including former U.S. ambassadors Christopher Ashby and Chase Untermeyer—about the use of energy as a geopolitical tool to influence countries’ actions.

Center for International Studies
Established in 1981, the Center for International Studies is Houston's oldest degree-granting center of international higher learning. International Studies prepares students for careers in international business, law, politics and public service. In addition, the Center promotes understanding of international relations, cultural differences and the benefits that come from cooperation within the human family.